It Was Impossible To Play Football - Jones

28 January 2017

HUFC

Dave Jones admitted his frustration at both his side’s defending and the state of the Rodney Parade pitch as Pools fell to a 3-1 defeat at Newport County.

The playing surface had been saturated by heavy overnight rain and, although ground staff worked hard to ensure the game could go ahead, it made it extremely difficult for Pools to get their passing game going.

Jones was critical of his players for not adapting better to the conditions but insisted he did see things he was happy with and backed them to improve again in the coming weeks.

“It was a tough game against a physically strong side and we probably got a bit outpowered,” he told Pools PlayerHD.

“We couldn’t get the ball down and play – they did try to but it was just impossible on that pitch so in one breath we’re telling them to get it down and play, then in the next we’re saying to hook it on.

“I think on days like this it’s about picking the right time to do one or the other – and we didn’t pick the right times today.

“We got done by three corners and we have to be stronger and better than that; all three goals can be stopped but I think maybe we got bullied.

“I thought one or two found the conditions difficult today but you have to adapt to that – we didn’t and they did.

“We saw the best of them last week and we saw some decent things today; we have to get more shots away and do better to get in on goal but nothing seemed to come off for them.

“They’re a young team and, talking to Sam Collins about it, that appears to be the trait of the Club at the minute – win well and then lose badly. We have to get that out of them but they’re young and they’re willing to learn.”

Watch the full post-match video interview with Dave Jones right now only on Pools PlayerHD.